Ch 3: Persecution

Persecution:

            The stunning rhythm and depth of content which is contained in the Qur'an’s verses captured the attention of even the most eloquent Arabs. Mecca’s pagans disparaged Muhammad as a mere poet, but the Muslims believed in the Qur'an as the ultimate miracle of faith; a testimony in support of Muhammad’s prophecy. The early Muslims cherished the verses, memorized them, wrote them down, and struggled to work them out in their quotidian life. The pagans of Mecca ridiculed Muhammad’s claim to prophecy, and rejected his teachings. For the next decade, Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the early Muslims were subjected to inhumane treatment. Muslims were killed, tortured and boycotted for three years; their properties and holdings were taken by force. In response, Muhammad encouraged his followers to migrate to neighboring cities and states. He told them about Christian Abyssinia (today’s Ethiopia) for it would offer them a good refuge because it was ruled by a just king.

Muhammad tried to take his message outside of Mecca. He went to a nearby mountain town called Ta’if, but its leaders sent their youth to throw stones at Muhammad until, after suffering considerable physical injury, he left.